Hand Made 24 Karat Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 10.75" 12th Karmapa - Changchub Dorje Statue

The 12^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Changchub Dorje Statue

 The Twelfth Gyalwa Karmapa – Changchub Dorje (1703 – 1732)

The Twelfth Gyalwa Karmapa, Changchub Dorje was born at Kyile Tsagto in the province of Derge, East Tibet, just as predicted by the Eleventh Karmapa. His father’s name was Karma Tseten, and his mother’s name was Karmo Kyid. Two months after he was born, the child declared that he was the Karmapa. Tertön Mingyur Rinpoche confirmed the incarnation immediately and told Karma Tseten that one day he would be able to give up his job selling pottery because his son would become one of the greatest masters in all Tibet. Envoys of the Eighth Shamar arrived in Kyile Tsagto, found the boy, and took him to Tsurphu Gon. The Shamar met and recognized him as the reincarnation of the Eleventh Karmapa, his Root Guru. Changchub Dorje was enthroned with the Black Vajra Crown as the Twelfth Gyalwa Karmapa at Tsurphu Gon and given all belongings from his past life as well as the entire Mahamudra transmissions and teachings. The young Karmapa then studied under many illustrious masters, also under Sönam Phuntsok.

Changchub Dorje imparted the profound Kagyü Mahamudra teachings to the supreme Nyingma master of Kathok Monastery, who in turn gave the sacred Nyingma Dzogchen teachings that he had received to the Karmapa. A few words about the Kathok Tradition.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a stunning depiction of the 12th Gyalwa Karmapa, Changchub Dorje, expertly cast from copper alloy using the traditional lost wax method and adorned with the opulence of 24-karat gold gilding. The statue's face has been meticulously hand-painted, imbuing the piece with a lifelike presence and spiritual radiance.

Every intricate detail of this masterpiece has been finely hand-carved by the master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal, who are renowned for their exceptional skill and artistry. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries, and their fine metalworking techniques have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation, preserving the rich heritage of their craft.

The combination of the 24-karat gold gilding and the hand-painted face lends an air of sacred majesty to the sculpture, evoking the enlightened presence of the revered Karmapa. This piece not only serves as a breathtaking work of art but also as a profound representation of spiritual significance, embodying the essence of Changchub Dorje and his profound teachings.

This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a captivating depiction of the 12th Gyalwa Karmapa, radiating with the wisdom and compassion that defined his life and legacy.